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Arsenal could turn to Barcelona winger as he considers exit

Daily Cannon
·2 min read
Arsenal could turn to Barcelona winger as he considers exit
Arsenal could turn to Barcelona winger as he considers exit

Raphinha is keen on returning to the Premier League, potentially allowing Arsenal to reignite their interest if Nico Williams joins Barcelona.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA: Raphinha of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the Super Copa de España semi-final match between Real Betis and FC Barcelona at King Fahd International Stadium on January 12, 2023. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA: Raphinha of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the Super Copa de España semi-final match between Real Betis and FC Barcelona at King Fahd International Stadium on January 12, 2023. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s preferred winger signing this summer is Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, but there are various complications to a potential deal.

Williams’ release clause isn’t particularly high at €58m (£48.8m), but that money would all have to be paid upfront, and the winger is then asking for such high wages that they convinced Chelsea to withdraw from the race.

Perhaps even more than that, Barcelona’s interest in Williams is a problem. The La Liga club have made no secret of their pursuit of the winger, and for a Spaniard, the chance to join Barcelona is likely very appealing.

spain v georgia round of 16 uefa euro 2024 2
COLOGNE, GERMANY: Nico Williams of Spain during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Spain and Georgia at Cologne Stadium on June 30, 2024. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Yet there could be one upside to Barcelona winning the race for Williams, with Graeme Bailey reporting for HITC that Raphinha is consequently keen to return to the Premier League.

With Lamine Yamal impressing and Williams possibly joining, Raphinha’s minutes will be limited, and Barcelona are keen on moving him on.

Arsenal are among the clubs to have been informed of Raphinha’s availability this summer.

Brazil's Raphinha celebrates after scoring against Paraguay during the South American qualification football match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on February 1, 2022. (Photo by DOUGLAS MAGNO/AFP via Getty Images)
Brazil’s Raphinha celebrates after scoring against Paraguay during the South American qualification football match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on February 1, 2022. (Photo by DOUGLAS MAGNO/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal made enquiries for Raphinha’s signing in 2022, before he left Leeds United.

Edu Gaspar confirmed he held talks with Raphinha’s agent, but once it was clear the player wanted to go to Barcelona, things didn’t progress any further.

The winger is clearly fond of Arsenal, naming the Gunners earlier this year as a club he likes outside of Spain, and admitting “I love Arsenal” in an interview in 2023.

Still just 27 and with plenty of Premier League experience, Raphinha would make a strong signing for Arsenal if he’s not going to get minutes with Barcelona.

The winger scored 10 goals and assisted 13 in 37 games in 2023/24. He can play on both blanks, making him a useful potential addition to Mikel Arteta’s forward options.